Current Affairs Today — March 23, 2026

Bura Chapori Sanctuary Expansion Strengthens Assam Conservation Efforts

🗞️ Why in News The Assam government has proposed creating a new Reserved Forest named Burhachapori No. 5 adjacent to Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district, through a notification dated March 15, 2026 under Section 5 of the Assam Forest Regulation, 1891.

Key Details

The proposal seeks to bring 224.325 hectares of land under reserved forest status. The proposed area falls within the Dhania Range under the Nagaon Wildlife Division and is ecologically well-positioned, bordered on the north by Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary and Orang National Park.

About Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary

Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary covers 44.06 sq km on the south bank of the Brahmaputra River in Sonitpur district, Assam. The area was declared a Reserved Forest in 1974 and upgraded to a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1995. It is part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem comprising wet alluvial grassland, riparian and semi-evergreen forests dotted by wetland and river systems.

Key Species

The sanctuary is home to the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, hog deer, wild pig, and elephants. Notable bird species include the critically endangered Bengal Florican, Black-necked Stork, Mallard, Open-billed Stork, and Whistling Duck.

Why the Expansion Matters

The new Reserved Forest will enhance habitat connectivity between Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary and Orang National Park, creating a more contiguous corridor for wildlife movement — critical for genetic exchange among rhino and tiger populations. The proposal is linked to compensatory afforestation obligations arising from multiple infrastructure and industrial projects across Assam.

UPSC Angle

This is significant for understanding wildlife corridor management, compensatory afforestation provisions under the Forest Conservation Act, and the role of Reserved Forests in India’s protected area network.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: South bank of Brahmaputra River, Sonitpur district, Assam
• Area: 44.06 sq km
• Declared Reserved Forest: 1974
• Upgraded to Wildlife Sanctuary: 1995
• Part of: Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem
• Key species: Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, Bengal Florican

Proposed Expansion:

• Name: Burhachapori No. 5 Reserved Forest
• Area: 224.325 hectares
• Notification: March 15, 2026 under Section 5, Assam Forest Regulation, 1891
• Range: Dhania Range, Nagaon Wildlife Division

Orang National Park (Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park):

• Area: 78.81 sq km
• Declared National Park: 1999
• Located on north bank of Brahmaputra, Darrang and Sonitpur districts
• Known as “Mini Kaziranga” for its rhino population

Other Relevant Facts:

• India has 58 tiger reserves as of 2025
• Kaziranga National Park (Assam) holds ~70% of world’s one-horned rhinos
• India’s rhino population: ~3,262 (2021 census)
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAMPA): enacted in 2016

Photocatalytic Coating Trials Target Delhi Air Pollution

🗞️ Why in News The Government of NCT of Delhi has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) to conduct a pilot study on the effectiveness of photocatalytic “smog-eating” surfaces for reducing urban air pollution in the national capital.

How Photocatalytic Coatings Work

Photocatalytic materials such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) activate under sunlight and trigger chemical reactions that convert harmful pollutants — primarily Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) — into less harmful compounds like water and carbon dioxide.

Study Design

The project, titled “Comprehensive Study on the Effectiveness of Photocatalytic Smog-Eating Surfaces, Specifically Utilising Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) or Similar Safe Photocatalysts for Abatement of Air Pollution in Delhi,” will be conducted in two phases:

1. Phase 1 — Laboratory Testing: Smog chamber experiments at IIT Madras to test various photocatalytic formulations
2. Phase 2 — Field Trials: Real-world application on Delhi’s high-traffic corridors

Application Methods

The six-month study will assess optimal integration methods:

• Mixing photocatalytic material into concrete and asphalt
• Surface coatings on existing infrastructure
• Innovative panels on rooftops or streetlights — similar to solar panels but designed for pollutant removal from ambient air

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for GS3 (Environment, S&T) — understanding innovative pollution mitigation technologies, the role of public-private partnerships in environmental governance, and the application of nanotechnology in urban planning.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Photocatalytic Smog-Eating Technology:

• Key catalyst: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
• Targets: NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide) and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Activation: Sunlight (UV radiation)
• Mechanism: Photocatalysis converts harmful gases to water and CO2

Delhi-IIT Madras MoU:

• Study duration: 6 months
• Two phases: Lab testing (IIT-M smog chamber) + Field trials (Delhi high-traffic areas)
• Applications: Road asphalt, concrete, rooftop/streetlight panels

Delhi Air Pollution Context:

• Delhi AQI regularly exceeds 300 (Hazardous) during winter
• Major pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): launched January 2019
• NCAP target: 40% reduction in PM concentration by 2025-26 (from 2017 base)
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): statutory body under CAQM Act 2021

Other Relevant Facts:

• WHO guideline for PM2.5: 5 micrograms per cubic metre (annual mean)
• CPCB operates the National Air Quality Index (AQI) with six categories
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has four stages for Delhi-NCR pollution control

New Mangrove Crab Chhapgarus ngankeeae Discovered in Goa

🗞️ Why in News Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new marine crab species, Chhapgarus ngankeeae, from Goa’s mangrove ecosystems after re-examining preserved specimens that had long been misidentified.

Discovery Details

Zoologist Sameer Kumar Pati of the Zoological Survey of India made the discovery during a detailed re-evaluation of specimens housed in the National Zoological Collections. The samples, originally collected from Goa as well as parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, had earlier been classified as Chhapgarus intermedius.

How the Discovery Was Made

The breakthrough came when subtle but consistent morphological differences were observed during microscopic examination. These distinctions confirmed that the specimens represented a distinct and previously undocumented species belonging to the family Varunidae (grapsoid crabs).

Species Characteristics

• Size: Approximately 1.6 cm
• Habitat: Intertidal mangrove habitats along India’s west coast
• Classification: Order Decapoda, Infraorder Brachyura, Family Varunidae

Naming

The species has been named ngankeeae in honour of the late Dr Ngan Kee Ng, a noted marine biologist from the National University of Singapore, in recognition of her contributions to crustacean taxonomy.

UPSC Angle

This highlights the importance of taxonomic research, the role of ZSI in biodiversity documentation, and the ecological significance of mangrove ecosystems for UPSC Environment section.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Chhapgarus ngankeeae:

• Discovered by: Sameer Kumar Pati (Zoological Survey of India)
• Size: ~1.6 cm
• Habitat: Intertidal mangrove areas, west coast of India (Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra)
• Family: Varunidae (grapsoid crabs)
• Named after: Dr Ngan Kee Ng (National University of Singapore)
• Published in: Marine Biology Research journal

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI):

• Founded: 1916
• Headquarters: Kolkata
• Parent body: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Function: Survey, exploration, research on faunal diversity

Mangrove Ecosystems in India:

• India’s mangrove cover: 4,992 sq km (India State of Forest Report 2023)
• Largest mangrove: Sundarbans (West Bengal) — 4,200+ sq km
• Goa mangrove cover: ~26 sq km
• Mangroves provide: coastal protection, nursery for marine species, carbon sequestration

Other Relevant Facts:

• India is one of the 17 mega-biodiverse countries
• Botanical Survey of India (BSI) covers flora; ZSI covers fauna
• India has recorded over 1,02,718 faunal species (ZSI database)

Sahiwal Cattle IVF Breakthrough Boosts Indigenous Breeding

🗞️ Why in News ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ICAR-IVRI) has achieved a major breakthrough in livestock biotechnology with the birth of five healthy Sahiwal calves using OPU-IVF-ET (Ovum Pick-Up, In Vitro Fertilisation, Embryo Transfer) technology, starting February 28, 2026.

Technical Achievement

The programme, initiated in 2022-23, targeted indigenous dairy breeds including Sahiwal cattle, Tharparkar cattle, and Murrah buffalo. Key achievements include:

What is OPU-IVF-ET?

• OPU (Ovum Pick-Up): Ultrasound-guided aspiration of oocytes (eggs) from a live donor cow
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Fertilisation of harvested oocytes with selected semen in a laboratory
• ET (Embryo Transfer): Transfer of developed embryo into a surrogate cow

This technique allows multiple calves from a single elite cow in a fraction of the time compared to natural breeding, accelerating genetic improvement.

Significance for India

India has the world’s largest bovine population (~303 million cattle). Indigenous breeds like Sahiwal are valued for heat tolerance, disease resistance, and A2 milk production. However, they have lower average milk yield compared to exotic breeds. OPU-IVF-ET technology can rapidly multiply elite indigenous germplasm without crossbreeding.

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for GS3 (Agriculture, S&T) — understanding assisted reproductive technologies in livestock, National Livestock Mission, and indigenous breed conservation programmes.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

ICAR-IVRI Sahiwal IVF Programme:

• Institute: ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly (UP)
• Programme started: 2022-23
• Technology: OPU-IVF-ET
• Target breeds: Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Murrah buffalo
• Result: 5 healthy Sahiwal calves born from Feb 28, 2026

Sahiwal Cattle:

• Origin: Sahiwal district, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
• Breed type: Milch (dairy) breed
• Average yield: 1,400-2,500 kg per lactation
• Characteristics: Heat-tolerant, tick-resistant, A2 milk producer

India’s Livestock Sector:

• Cattle population: ~303 million (20th Livestock Census 2019)
• Buffalo population: ~109.85 million
• India ranks 1st in milk production globally (~230 million tonnes, 2023-24)
• ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (est. 1929, under Ministry of Agriculture)

Other Relevant Facts:

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: launched 2014 for indigenous cattle breed development
• National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre: Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
• India’s first IVF cattle calf “Holi” was born at NDRI, Karnal in 2023
• National Livestock Mission: launched 2014-15 under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying

Monarch Butterfly Population Sees Sharp Seasonal Recovery

🗞️ Why in News Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), in partnership with WWF Mexico, announced a 64% increase in the monarch butterfly population in Mexican overwintering forests during the 2025-2026 season.

Key Data

Reasons for Recovery

The recovery is attributed to:

• Better breeding conditions in the US: Spring and summer 2025 were less dry than 2024, leading to greater egg and larva production
• Reduced drought during migration: Higher availability of flowering plants provided nectar during the southward journey to Mexico
• Lower forest degradation: Habitat loss in Mexican overwintering sites decreased by approximately 32%

The Monarch Migration

The eastern monarch butterfly population undertakes one of nature’s most remarkable migrations — travelling up to 4,800 km from southern Canada and the northern United States to the oyamel fir forests in central Mexico’s mountains, primarily in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (Michoacan and State of Mexico).

Conservation Concern

While the 64% surge is encouraging, the eastern monarch population remains down by more than 80-90% since the 1990s. The 2.93 hectares is still far below the long-term goal of 6 hectares set by conservationists.

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for GS3 (Environment) — understanding migratory species conservation, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and international cooperation for biodiversity protection.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus):

• Migration distance: Up to 4,800 km (one-way)
• Route: Southern Canada/Northern US to Central Mexico
• Overwintering site: Oyamel fir forests, Michoacan and State of Mexico
• Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve: UNESCO World Heritage Site (2008)
• IUCN Status: Endangered (listed 2022)

2025-26 Season Data:

• Area occupied: 2.93 hectares (up from 1.79 ha in 2024-25)
• Increase: 64% — largest recovery since 2018
• Forest degradation: 6.30 acres (down from 9.21 acres)
• Announced by: Semarnat, Conanp, and WWF Mexico (March 18, 2026)

Long-term Trend:

• 1990s peak: ~18 hectares occupied
• Current: 2.93 hectares (down 80-90% from peak)
• Conservation target: 6 hectares

Other Relevant Facts:

• CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): international treaty for migratory species conservation
• India is a party to CMS; Monarch is listed under CMS
• Milkweed (Asclepias) is the sole food plant for monarch caterpillars
• Climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use are the three primary threats

National DMF Summit 2026 Focuses on Fund Utilisation

🗞️ Why in News The Ministry of Mines organised the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Summit 2026 on March 23-24 at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi, inaugurated by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy.

What is DMF?

The District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a trust established under Section 9B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 in every district affected by mining operations. Mining lease holders contribute a percentage of royalty to this fund.

DMF Contribution Rates

Summit Theme and Objectives

The summit, themed “Effective Utilisation of District Mineral Funds for ADP/ABP Areas”, aimed to:

• Strengthen coordination between central and state governments
• Identify policy reforms for better utilisation of DMF funds
• Focus on Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) areas
• Showcase successful DMF-funded projects via a DMF Exhibition

Key Participants

Senior officials from Central Ministries, State Governments, District Administrations, NITI Aayog, and other stakeholders deliberated on challenges, best practices, and reforms. Inputs from 306 DMF districts were compiled into a Comprehensive Final Note.

PMKKKY — The Implementation Framework

The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), launched in September 2015, provides the framework for utilising DMF funds:

• 70% minimum on High Priority Sectors: drinking water, health, nutrition, education, environment, skill development
• Remaining 30% on: physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy, watershed development

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for GS2 (Governance) and GS3 (Economy) — understanding mining governance in India, DMF as a tool for inclusive development, and the role of NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Programme.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

District Mineral Foundation (DMF):

• Established under: Section 9B, MMDR Amendment Act 2015
• Total DMF districts: 306 (as of 2026)
• Total funds accrued: Over Rs 40,000 crore
• Implementation scheme: PMKKKY (launched September 2015)
• Fund split: 70% High Priority + 30% other sectors

National DMF Summit 2026:

• Date: March 23-24, 2026
• Venue: SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi
• Inaugurated by: G. Kishan Reddy (Union Minister of Coal and Mines)
• MoS: Satish Chandra Dubey
• Theme: Effective Utilisation of DMF for ADP/ABP Areas

MMDR Act:

• Original Act: 1957
• Major amendments: 2015, 2021, 2023
• 2015 amendment: introduced DMF, auction-based mineral allocation
• 2023 amendment: allowed private sector in exploration of critical minerals

Other Relevant Facts:

• Aspirational Districts Programme: launched January 2018 by NITI Aayog
• 112 Aspirational Districts across 28 states
• Aspirational Blocks Programme: launched January 2023, covers 500 blocks
• India’s mining sector contributes ~2.5% to GDP

Telangana Launches Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme

🗞️ Why in News The Telangana government announced the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme in the State Budget for 2026-27, providing Rs 5 lakh life insurance coverage to approximately 1.15 crore families irrespective of income category.

Scheme Details

Budget Context

The scheme was announced as part of the Telangana State Budget 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 3,24,234 crore, presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

Significance

This is described as the nation’s first universal family life insurance scheme — covering all families regardless of income category. The objective is to provide immediate financial protection to households in the event of the death of a breadwinner, preventing families from falling into poverty.

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for GS2 (Polity, Governance) — understanding state-level welfare innovation, universal vs targeted social protection approaches, and insurance-based social security models.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme:

• State: Telangana
• Coverage: Rs 5 lakh life insurance per family
• Beneficiaries: ~1.15 crore families
• Budget: Rs 4,000 crore
• Launch: June 2, 2026 (Telangana Formation Day)
• Nature: Universal (income-agnostic)

Telangana Budget 2026-27:

• Total outlay: Rs 3,24,234 crore
• Presented by: Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka (Dy CM and Finance Minister)
• Chief Minister: A. Revanth Reddy (Congress)
• Telangana formed: June 2, 2014 (29th state of India)

Central Insurance Schemes for Comparison:

• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Rs 2 lakh life cover at Rs 436/year premium
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Rs 2 lakh accidental cover at Rs 20/year premium
• Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY): Rs 5 lakh health insurance (not life insurance)

Other Relevant Facts:

• Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI): est. 2000
• Insurance penetration in India: ~4% of GDP (2024)
• Life insurance penetration: ~3% of GDP

Guru Angad Dev Remembered on Jyoti Jyot Diwas

🗞️ Why in News Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu paid tributes to Guru Angad Dev Ji, the second Sikh Guru, on the occasion of his Jyoti Jyot Diwas (the day marking his spiritual union with the divine).

About Guru Angad Dev Ji

Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504-1552) was the second of the ten Sikh Gurus, chosen as successor by Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Born as Lehna in Harike village in Ferozepur district, Punjab, he was given the name “Angad” (meaning “part of my own body”) by Guru Nanak.

Major Contributions

• Gurmukhi Script: Standardised and popularised the Gurmukhi script for writing Punjabi, greatly improving literacy among Sikhs
• Education: Established schools at Khadur Sahib to teach Gurmukhi to children
• Bani Preservation: Started the tradition of collecting and preserving Gurbani (sacred hymns) and Sakhis (life stories)
• Physical Fitness: Promoted Mall Akhara (wrestling) to encourage physical fitness among the community
• Langar System: Strengthened the institution of Langar (community kitchen) started by Guru Nanak

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for GS1 (History and Culture) — understanding the contributions of Sikh Gurus, the Gurmukhi script’s cultural significance, and important religious observances in India.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Guru Angad Dev Ji:

• Birth name: Lehna
• Born: March 31, 1504, Harike, Ferozepur, Punjab
• Jyoti Jyot: March 29, 1552, Khadur Sahib, Punjab
• Guru period: 1539-1552 (13 years)
• Successor: Guru Amar Das Ji (third Sikh Guru)
• Key contribution: Gurmukhi script standardisation

Ten Sikh Gurus (in order):

• 1. Guru Nanak Dev (1469-1539)
• 2. Guru Angad Dev (1504-1552)
• 3. Guru Amar Das (1479-1574)
• 4. Guru Ram Das (1534-1581)
• 5. Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606) — compiled Adi Granth
• 6. Guru Hargobind (1595-1644) — Miri-Piri concept
• 7. Guru Har Rai (1630-1661)
• 8. Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664) — youngest Guru
• 9. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675) — martyred in Delhi
• 10. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708) — founded Khalsa

Other Relevant Facts:

• Guru Granth Sahib: eternal Guru of Sikhs (compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, finalised by Guru Gobind Singh)
• Khadur Sahib: now a constituency and holy city in Tarn Taran district, Punjab
• Jyoti Jyot Diwas: marks the day a Guru’s light merged with the eternal divine light

Sikkim to Host Junior National Badminton Championship 2026

🗞️ Why in News Sikkim has been selected as the host for the 49th Yonex Sunrise Junior National Badminton Championship (Under-19) 2026 by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

Key Details

This will be a significant sporting event for the northeastern state, hosting top junior badminton talent from across India. The selection of Sikkim as host highlights the growing push to decentralise major sporting events to smaller states.

UPSC Angle

This is relevant for understanding sports infrastructure development in northeastern states and the role of national sports federations in promoting talent from smaller states.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

49th Junior National Badminton Championship 2026:

• Host: Sikkim
• Category: Under-19
• Organised by: Badminton Association of India (BAI)
• Sponsor: Yonex Sunrise

Badminton in India:

• BAI: founded 1934, headquartered in New Delhi
• India’s notable players: PV Sindhu (Olympic silver 2016, bronze 2020), Saina Nehwal, Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy
• BWF (Badminton World Federation): headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sikkim Quick Facts:

• Capital: Gangtok
• Became Indian state: 1975 (22nd state, merger of former kingdom)
• Governor: Om Prakash Mathur (2024)
• Chief Minister: Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim Krantikari Morcha)

Persons in News

Dr Ngan Kee Ng (posthumous honour): The late marine biologist from the National University of Singapore has been honoured with the naming of the newly discovered crab species Chhapgarus ngankeeae after her, in recognition of her contributions to crustacean taxonomy.

G. Kishan Reddy: Union Minister of Coal and Mines inaugurated the National DMF Summit 2026 in New Delhi.

Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister presented the State Budget 2026-27 announcing the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims: Bura Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary (location, area, key species), Photocatalytic TiO2 technology, DMF under MMDR Act 2015, Sahiwal cattle breed, Monarch butterfly IUCN status, Guru Angad Dev Ji (Gurmukhi script), Zoological Survey of India. Mains GS-2: DMF governance and mining-area development; Telangana’s universal insurance model. Mains GS-3: In-situ conservation and wildlife corridors; IVF technology for indigenous livestock; innovative air pollution technologies; biodiversity documentation.

📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia

Cross-Cutting Facts for the Day:

• Section 9B of MMDR Amendment Act 2015 mandates DMF in mining-affected districts
• Photocatalysis uses TiO2 + sunlight to break down NO2 and VOCs
• OPU-IVF-ET technology enables multiple calves from a single elite donor cow
• Monarch butterfly is listed as Endangered by IUCN (2022)
• Gurmukhi script was standardised by Guru Angad Dev Ji in the 16th century
• ZSI (est. 1916) is the premier institution for faunal survey and documentation in India
• India’s mangrove cover: 4,992 sq km (ISFR 2023)
• Bura Chapori WLS is part of the Laokhowa-Burachapori ecosystem in Assam

Sources: GKToday, PIB, Down to Earth, The Hindu, WWF